Saint's Prison - Chapter 122

Dedicated to a Friend

I look up at the sky, which is so clear that it’s almost annoying, and I can’t help but squint at the dazzling sunlight.

I’ve gotten used to the dimness of the monastery, so this sunlight is unbearably bright. That being said, sunbathing is a necessary activity for humans. By being exposed to the sun, vitamin D, an essential nutrient for humans, is produced. Also, sunbathing is said to be effective for depression.

Living in such a gloomy place makes me feel down, so I try to intentionally expose myself to sunlight as much as possible.

“……Shall I clean up?”

Today’s task is to clean the cemetery. I sigh as I gaze at the tombstones lined up neatly at regular intervals.

The Stonehearth cemetery is vast, and it takes time to clean it. I was originally scheduled to clean with Francesco, but he’s down with acute lower back pain, also known as a strained lower back, and is bedridden. With his condition, he probably won’t be able to get up for a while.

Francesco has a rounded body shape, which makes sense since it puts a strain on his back. However, Francesco doesn’t overeat or drink excessively on a daily basis.

The meals at the monastery are twice a day, mainly consisting of vegetables, fruits, bread, and wine, with meat and fish only served during major events and celebrations. Despite this, why is he so round?

――Could it be that he’s been stealing food again?

It’s a story from the other night.

I woke up with the urge to urinate and was walking through the dark monastery with Amal to go to the toilet outside.

……For the record, I’ve never asked Amal to come with me. In fact, even when I tell her to stay asleep because I feel bad for waking her up,

“I’ll go with you too. No, no, don’t say such a terrible thing about sleeping alone. Amal is lonely!”

She throws a tantrum. Sleeping alone, I’m just going to the toilet. I’ll be back soon.

She’s not a child, you know… Well, in modern terms, 15 years old is definitely considered a child.

Ah, yeah, I shouldn’t go any further. I’m strangling myself. I’m turning into a lolicon scumbag.

But wait, please.

Amal is slender overall, but she has a large chest, and her hips are the childbearing type. If you only look at her body, she’s an adult woman. So, I’m not a lolicon, and there’s no problem with touching her.

I think that far and inadvertently make a serious face.

Even though I said it myself, there’s not a shred of persuasiveness.

(For a while, maybe I should restrain myself… No, Amal wouldn’t allow that. She sulks when I don’t hold her.)

A distant look in my eyes.

Ah, what a futile thought.

Even though I don’t regret touching her, my modern sense of morality shows its face in a casual moment.

I lightly slap my cheek to bring my thoughts back.

…Right, that’s it.

That night, as I passed the kitchen, I heard some rustling noises coming from inside. Could it be a thief? Thinking that, I cautiously peeked into the kitchen… and there was Francesco, holding a jar of honey in one hand and diligently licking the honey.

Honestly, I couldn’t close my gaping mouth.

Amal, hiding behind my back, muttered resentfully, “What a shameful person. Truly filthy.” I can’t help but smile at her unhidden displeasure.

Since Amal was nearby, I couldn’t call out to Francesco, so I pretended I hadn’t seen him and left the scene.

Seeing Francesco stealing food was disappointing, but strangely, I didn’t feel any malice.

Rather, I even thought it was good that it was so like Francesco. Perhaps this is due to Francesco’s virtue.

“I’ll bring him some honey water later.”

I pictured Francesco’s delighted face, and my eyes softened naturally.